Balotelli could be back at Liverpool now Klopp is manager – agent

Mario Balotelli could be back at Liverpool next season now Jurgen Klopp has taken over as manager, according to the player’s agent.

Mino Raiola is planning talks with Klopp in an attempt to convince him that the controversial striker deserves a chance to revive his career at Anfield.

Balotelli is on a season-long loan at AC Milan, where has scored just once in the four matches he has played all season due to a groin injury which has sidelined him since September.

Raiola admits that the Italy international did not play well in 2015 but has not ruled out a second opportunity on Merseyside.

The agent has told Sky Italia that he will hold talks with Klopp about one of his star clients.

“For sure. That is part of my job, to speak to all the managers,” Raiola said. “I know Klopp from (representing) Mkhitaryan at Dortmund.

Deal breaker: Klopp will hold talks with Balotelli’s agent later in the season

“If we talk about the quality and the talent Mario has, that is without question. Then you also need a manager that believes in you and gives you the chance to prove yourself. We will talk to him when it is time to talk to him.”

Liverpool signed Balotelli from AC Milan for £16million in the summer of 2014 but he had a disastrous season.

“Whether Klopp has a plan for him or not – I don’t know, I haven’t spoken to him about this or to Liverpool. I think it is too soon.

“Obviously if Mario does what he has to do, there is maybe another view on him also.

“He had to go away because with Brendan there was no possibility to develop any more. There was a preconception towards Mario and I think from his private part of life he has proven them wrong.

“But we have to be realistic. He didn’t perform well in 2015 and 2016 needs to be his year. That is his challenge.”